FastAlpine

Looking through the build sheet for my GT3 and saw option 18 - Natural Leather Dary Grey. From what I've researched this is selected leather by Porsche and not sanded and treated the same way as typical leather. Is this true or am I way off? Also, does anyone else have this option? My car has 33k miles and the leather still looks like new without any major creases. I have seen some seats with the same mileage that look much worse. Is natural leather more durable?

Just trying to get some insight on this option as I haven't seen it very much.

Flachbau

This is described as 'Leather specially dyed to retain natural characteristics.' So essentially its supposed to retain hide marks. I do not believe that it has any special characteristics designed to reduce wear or increase longevity. But that may possibly be a side benefit of the process even if not its intention.

sfo

standard leather is painted the colour it is, natural leather is dyed the colour it is ..

I think ...

mooty

i had both on 996
i do not know how they are made differently
but the natural leather is harder wearing, show a LOT less abrasion on bolsters.
it was a $3xxxx option iirc in the 996 era

FastAlpine

Nice, thanks for the info guys.

mooty, I agree it seems to be wearing much better than other GT3s I have seen with similar mileage. I wonder if the leather on the dash and doors is natural as well.

sfo

if you have natural leather, it is all the leather in the interior

Fisher

Also have natural leather. It is smoother, more supple and looks better. Get your car next to a car with the regular leather and just feel the difference.

I believe the reason it wears better is due to the smoothness. No rough, high spots to catch on the fibers of the material rubbing against it.

My leather steering wheel is another big plus. Much more durable and smoother than alcantara. IMO it also feels better.

FastAlpine

Yeah I certainly notice it is extremely soft leather compared to my friend's 997 Turbo or any BMW car I've owned with leather. Appreciate the response. I wish my wheel was also natural leather but sadly it's alcantara and worn flat.

dasams

Here's some info that you might find helpful:

The 2009 997.2 order guide shows three price points and, well, you know, you get what you pay for.

$3,655 will get you full leather in black, stone grey, sea blue or sand beige
$4,085 will get you special leather in terracotta or cocoa
$5,165 will get you natural leather in dark grey, natural brown or carrera red

sfo

1. bucket of warm/hot water with lemon juice (think finger bowls, but less lemon)
2. clean microfiber cloth.

rinse cloth in bucket, wring out and wipe alcantara.
repeat
repeat

leave to dry

alcantara should look and feel newer or refreshed.

FastAlpine

Thanks for the tip, ill have to give that a try soon. Curious how much extra natural leather was on the 997.1 GT3 compared to the Turbo. I'm sure pretty close.

Fisher

Maybe this will answer part of your question:

FastAlpine

Nice, thanks a lot Joe. I have the sticker for my GT3 but it was folded and worn badly to the point where I can't read much of it anymore.

Fisher

Here's my other ride with natural leather.

FastAlpine

Looks like he has worn very nicely as well